Minicamp Preview: Questions to be Answered

[JetNation]

The first week of OTAs have wrapped up, and week two is now underway. With minicamp on the horizon we take a look at some story lines developing or coming to a head. OTAs will continue until June 9th, then from June 14-16 the Jets will hold their minicamp. Unlike OTAs, minicamp is mandatory for all players on the roster. Here are some interesting developments as we look forward to minicamp:

 

The Fitzpatrick Dilemma

 

This is by far the most talked about subject as the Jets move further into their offseason program. Recently more details about the current contract offer from the Jets to Fitzpatrick became public. According to reports from the NY Post and NFL insider Ian Rapoport, The Jets’ current offer to Ryan Fitzpatrick is a three-year $24 million deal with incentives to reach a three-year $36 million deal.

While #Jets have OTAs, this offer waits for Ryan Fitzpatrick: 3 yrs, $24M that can be $36M with incentives. $12M in yr 1. More than $15M gtd

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 31, 2016

By now everyone knows that the Jets hold most of the leverage in the situation with there being virtually no market for Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick needs the Jets, and the Jets need Fitzpatrick. It’s been said over and over again, yet here we are. It’s reported that this offer has been on the table for months, and hasn’t been altered. That’s not good news for anyone hoping that a deal will be done before minicamp. There have even been recent rumblings that Fitzpatrick could forgo signing with the Jets altogether. Manish Mehta of NY Daily News reported that some players believe Fitzpatrick would take less to play elsewhere in order to spite the Jets.

Sources: Some @NYJets believe Ryan Fitzpatrick could sign elsewhere on principle. Story: https://t.co/nHXgL2iy5R pic.twitter.com/9sRAZeFchL

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) May 31, 2016

It appears that the situation is starting to take a turn for the worse if the report is true. Meanwhile, Geno Smith is receiving first team reps at OTAs. According to those in attendance at the OTAs so far Smith has looked on point, but is still showing immaturity with how he’s handled the media. If rumors of Fitzpatrick’s discontent continue and no agreement is reached by minicamp, the possibility of Geno Smith reclaiming the starting job could begin to look like a reality. Many people forget that Smith began last year’s training camp as the starter and was outplaying Fitzpatrick statistically. Smith was being praised by most of the media outlets, and looked to have locked up the job until the locker room incident.

 

How Will Todd Bowles Incorporate the Rookies?

 

The Jets added seven players through the draft. A few of them will likely sit out their first year, or be restricted to special teams. Over the next few weeks, and particularly in training camp, we will see how Todd Bowles plans to incorporate his rookies. It’s likely that Christian Hackenberg (QB), Juston Burris (CB), and Brandon Shell (OT) will see limited to no action this season. On the other hand, Darron Lee (ILB), Jordan Jenkins (OLB), Charone Peake (WR), and Loc Edwards (P) will all have opportunities to get significant playing time, or even a chance to start.

Naturally, all eyes will be on first-round pick Darron Lee this offseason seeing as it’s highly unlikely that Christian Hackenberg will get a starting opportunity. Lee is the only player from the Jets’ draft class whom remains unsigned. Lee played outside linebacker in college, although Todd Bowles has stated Lee will play inside. Bowles did say that they will move Lee around the field, and he will have an opportunity to play outside a bit as well. One of the more interesting developments this offseason will be how much they actually do move Lee around the field. Coming out of college Lee was compared to Arizona Cardinals’ safety Deone Bucannon, who is a safety/linebacker hybrid. With an eye-popping 4.47 40-yard dash, Lee certainly has the ability to rush the passer as well as drop into coverage.

 

How Do the Newcomers Fit in?

 

Just like the rookies, it will be interesting to see how the Jets’ free agent signings are integrated into the team. Unlike last offseason when the Jets had money to throw around, they were more conservative in free agency this time around. The only ‘splash’ moves the Jets made were bringing in Matt Forte after Chris Ivory left for the Jacksonville Jaguars and trading for tackle Ryan Clady. Both moves were reactionary, and both players will have pressure on them to live up to the players they’re stepping in for.

The Jets potentially upgraded their backfield with the signing of Matt Forte. Unlike the Jets’ former premier running back, Forte is just as dangerous catching the football as he is running it. Throughout his eight-season career, Forte has over 8,000 rushing yards, and over 4,000 yards receiving. The only knock on Forte is his age, at 30 Forte is entering the twilight of his career. Forte already has over 2,000 rushing attempts on his treads. Forte isn’t short on confidence though, stating he hopes to capture the rushing title as Curtis Martin did at age 31. The Jets would likely be satisfied with something similar to the two-year stint LaDainian Tomlinson had with them during their back-to-back AFC Championship runs.

 

Roll Call

 

It was well documented that both Jets’ star wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker missed the first three days of OTAs. It has been speculated, but not confirmed, that both wide receivers skipped the first three days in protest for free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Decker and Marshall were both spotted at team facilities on Monday for the beginning of week two of OTAs. It’s highly unlikely but possible that the wide receiver duo, who developed good chemistry with Fitzpatrick, could stage a mini-holdout if the negotiations with Fitzpatrick turn south. The other player to watch is Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson hasn’t signed his franchise tender, and wants a long-term deal. It’s very likely Wilkerson won’t be at minicamp, and possibly training camp depending on how his contract situation plays out. Other players such as Darrelle Revis, Sheldon Richardson, and Nick Mangold missed a day or two for OTAs, but they are voluntary and will be there for the mandatory minicamp.

 

OTAs will run until June 9th, then the Jets will break with a minicamp and reconvene in late July for the beginning of training camp. The dates for training camp haven’t been announced yet, but last season the Jets began camp on July 30th. Some questions will be answered throughout OTAs and minicamp, but the real answers come in July and August when teams are gearing up for the season.

 

 

 

 

Click here to read the full story...

[neckdemon]

if fitzpatrick doesn't take that offer **** him and the horse he rode in on. no reason to give him any more than that. if he wants to go sign for less to be a back-up somewhere else let him.......if mac gives him one cent more he's an idiot

[NYs Stepchild]

15 minutes ago, neckdemon said:

if fitzpatrick doesn't take that offer **** him and the horse he rode in on. no reason to give him any more than that. if he wants to go sign for less to be a back-up somewhere else let him.......if mac gives him one cent more he's an idiot

I might actually go as far as to sweeten that deal with a one dollar June 1st bonus. 

[FTL Jet Fan]

^^^ I have to agree,  thats a fair offer if he dosent sign this then F him. He could be waiting as long as he can so he dosent have to show up but if the rest of his teamates are there than he should be too.

[Jet Nut]

When do people start coming up with names for this greedy guy? 

We had people quick to name Meeshawn and Mevis when they wanted more money.  

At least they were pro bowl talent.  Revis an all time, HOF player. 

[CrazyCarl40]

1 hour ago, Jet Nut said:

When do people start coming up with names for this greedy guy? 

We had people quick to name Meeshawn and Mevis when they wanted more money.  

At least they were pro bowl talent.  Revis an all time, HOF player. 

You act as if you wouldn't do the same thing and haven't done it in your own life. The guy is looking down the barrel of his last big pay day. He has every right to try and do what is best for him and his family. You don't really get to judge that.

[Jet Nut]

38 minutes ago, CrazyCarl40 said:

You act as if you wouldn't do the same thing and haven't done it in your own life. The guy is looking down the barrel of his last big pay day. He has every right to try and do what is best for him and his family. You don't really get to judge that.

No I'm observing there's a double standard by Fitz fans.  

Revis, Keyshawn, Abraham, Mo, Sheldon.  All greedy or with Sheldon will be greedy. 

Fitzy girl, I dont get to judge his greed like the others.  Nice to watch you spin it and decide who's a pig and who's not.  F that

[Maxman]

4 hours ago, JetNation said:

It’s likely that Christian Hackenberg (QB), Juston Burris (CB), and Brandon Shell (OT) will see limited to no action this season. On the other hand, Darron Lee (ILB), Jordan Jenkins (OLB), Charone Peake (WR), and Loc Edwards (P) will all have opportunities to get significant playing time, or even a chance to start.

I think Burris is going to play, It would be great if he didn't that would mean Milliner and McDougle both stepped up. But I am not counting on that happening.

Definitely agree on Peake, he is going to see the field a lot because depth at WR is still lacking.

[Bleedin Green]

4 hours ago, JetNation said:

How Will Todd Bowles Incorporate the Rookies?

The Jets added seven players through the draft. A few of them will likely sit out their first year, or be restricted to special teams. Over the next few weeks, and particularly in training camp, we will see how Todd Bowles plans to incorporate his rookies. It’s likely that Christian Hackenberg (QB), Juston Burris (CB), and Brandon Shell (OT) will see limited to no action this season. On the other hand, Darron Lee (ILB), Jordan Jenkins (OLB), Charone Peake (WR), and Loc Edwards (P) will all have opportunities to get significant playing time, or even a chance to start.

Burris is the only one I disagree with the assessment of here, as I think he's got a very good chance to see some serious playing time.  While the Jets have plenty of other CBs who will likely start ahead of him on the depth chart, most of them were not chosen by the current regime and there are injury issues aplenty.  Burris obviously won't be competing with Revis, and likely has no chance of passing Skrine either, but after those two I think it's pretty much fair game.  The only other CB on the Jets who really showed anything last year is Marcus Williams.  There is some potential talent with the likes of Milliner and McDougle, but they not only both have ongoing injury problems, at this point have really proven nothing to Bowles.

If Burris steps up in camp and preseason, I could see the Jets giving him a shot as high up as #3 this year.  That's not to say I'm betting on that, but I think he's got a better shot to be a serious contributor this year than some of the others, like Peake.

[Beerfish]

1 minute ago, Bleedin Green said:

Burris is the only one I disagree with the assessment of here, as I think he's got a very good chance to see some serious playing time.  While the Jets have plenty of other CBs who will likely start ahead of him on the depth chart, most of them were not chosen by the current regime and there are injury issues aplenty.  Burris obviously won't be competing with Revis, and likely has no chance of passing Skrine either, but after those two I think it's pretty much fair game.  The only other CB on the Jets who really showed anything last year is Marcus Williams.  There is some potential talent with the likes of Milliner and McDougle, but they not only both have ongoing injury problems, at this point have really proven nothing to Bowles.

If Burris steps up in camp and preseason, I could see the Jets giving him a shot as high up as #3 this year.  That's not to say I'm betting on that, but I think he's got a better shot to be a serious contributor this year than some of the others, like Peake.

Agreed.  After our top guy things are in a bit of a jumble.

[Dcat]

4 hours ago, neckdemon said:

if fitzpatrick doesn't take that offer **** him and the horse he rode in on. no reason to give him any more than that. if he wants to go sign for less to be a back-up somewhere else let him.......if mac gives him one cent more he's an idiot

there is no reason to even give him that much.  I am very disappointed in Mac.  He's looking very pussyish with that absurd offer to a journeyman who no one else wants.  Flat out stupid.

[T0mShane]

 

[T0mShane]

I think we can get Jim Harbaugh in 2018. Thoughts?

[Matt39]

1 minute ago, T0mShane said:

 

This should enhance negotiations. 

[Maxman]

8 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

 

Hater. Our wide receivers are tall. If needed we can get taller wide receivers. Not everything is a problem Tom. Some things are opportunities.

[T0mShane]

5 minutes ago, Maxman said:

Hater. Our wide receivers are tall. If needed we can get taller wide receivers. Not everything is a problem Tom. Some things are opportunities.

They'll tell him to move his left foot back and--boom--electric laser

[Beerfish]

I blame the Penn State oline for the above tweet.

[T0mShane]

13 minutes ago, Beerfish said:

I blame the Penn State oline for the above tweet.

 

[T0mShane]

I don't know how Christian Hackenberg is supposed to complete these passes when he's single-handedly still guiding Happy Valley through this whole Paterno scandal.

[Maxman]

27 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

They'll tell him to move his left foot back and--boom--electric laser

That was easy to fix. Next we work on OLB.

[Jet Nut]

40 minutes ago, Matt39 said:

This should enhance negotiations. 

If you dumb enough to put that much stock in OTA throws a week in

[Bruce Harper]

That stuff about Fitz signing elsewhere to spite the Jets is about the biggest pile of bullcrap that I have ever heard.  Think about it:  Walk away from a starting job with two top-notch receivers to be a back-up for a fraction of the money?  Only Mehta would be stupid enough pass along this drivel.

[Matt39]

7 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

If you dumb enough to put that much stock in OTA throws a week in

Im putting stock into Hackenberg sucking in college.

[T0mShane]

Petty picked off twice today, too. Idzik's QB is the only QB.

[dbatesman]

32 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

 

And so the media slander campaign begins, absolutely sickening

[Jet Nut]

18 minutes ago, Matt39 said:

Im putting stock into Hackenberg sucking in college.

Actually you commented off a twitter report of a morning drill during OTAs.  A handful of passes. 

As too many will do all summer

[CrazyCarl40]

2 hours ago, Jet Nut said:

No I'm observing there's a double standard by Fitz fans.  

Revis, Keyshawn, Abraham, Mo, Sheldon.  All greedy or with Sheldon will be greedy. 

Fitzy girl, I dont get to judge his greed like the others.  Nice to watch you spin it and decide who's a pig and who's not.  F that

All of those guys want(ed) to be paid as the highest paid player at their position. Fitz just wants to be paid in accordance to what starting QBs get paid and have a little security the next few years. Who can blame him?

[dbatesman]

Just now, Jet Nut said:

Actually you commented off a twitter report of a morning drill during OTAs.  A handful of passes. 

As too many will do all summer

Things That Don't Count When Evaluating Jets Quarterbacks

• Performance in college
• Performance at OTAs
• Performance at minicamp
• Performance in training camp
• Performance in Green and White Scrimmage
• Performance in preseason
• Performance in regular-season losses

[Augustiniak]

Just now, dbatesman said:

Things That Don't Count When Evaluating Jets Quarterbacks

• Performance in college
• Performance at OTAs
• Performance at minicamp
• Performance in training camp
• Performance in Green and White Scrimmage
• Performance in preseason
• Performance in regular-season losses

performance in locker room brawls

[T0mShane]

3 minutes ago, dbatesman said:

And so the media slander campaign begins, absolutely sickening

When will the crucifixion end?

 

[dbatesman]

Just now, Augustiniak said:

performance in locker room brawls

Ah yes, I almost forgot!

• Getting knocked out by a teammate
• Flipping off the fans
• Missing a team meeting
• Getting kicked off an airplane
• Fumbling a ball off a teammate's ass
• Fumbling a ball of one's own ass

[dbatesman]

1 minute ago, T0mShane said:

When will the crucifixion end?

 

Gailey must have him running that weird James Franklin offense or something

[Augustiniak]

Just now, dbatesman said:

Ah yes, I almost forgot!

• Getting knocked out by a teammate
• Flipping off the fans
• Missing a team meeting
• Getting kicked off an airplane
• Fumbling a ball off a teammate's ass
• Fumbling a ball of one's own ass

however, fumbling a ball when you run into someone else's ass, this is an accredited performance metric

[Dcat]

1 minute ago, dbatesman said:

Ah yes, I almost forgot!

• Getting knocked out by a teammate
• Flipping off the fans
• Missing a team meeting
• Getting kicked off an airplane
• Fumbling a ball off a teammate's ass
• Fumbling a ball of one's own ass

Couple more things that don't count:

• telling the fans how "privileged" we are to be able to watch the Jets
• frequency of injuries

(Chad was feeling neglected today)

[Beerfish]

Hackenburg just hit the white gate.